Work in Progress: 17th April

As Easter approaches...

Time today to watch trains from the lineside whilst continuing the fishplate oiling programme along the line...

1. ISAAC passing the gang with an attendant audience of cows in the adjacent field.

2. The cows seem interested whilst Dave, Mike and Roger tackle another rail joint.

3. Martyn Budd's tractor with the generator in the rear bucket was providing the electricity for the nut runners helping to speed up the job. Down at the beech trees already...

4. ISAAC and train approaches the fishplate-greasing work site.

5. Another trackside view of ISAAC leaving Killington Lane.

6. ISAAC departs, passing the site of Bridge 66 framed between a mile marker and bridge plate.

7. The gang waves to passengers on the train as it passes.

8. The limit of today's work was the turnout entry to Killington Lane loop. The Dorset Group and regular Annual Fishplate Greaser Graham Bendell will be pleased to discover that we've left a few more for him to do next month at Killington Lane!

9. ISAAC backs onto the train at Killington Lane. The Thursday Gang were treated to a ride back to Woody Bay after completing the fishplate greasing.
 

10. Fireman today Julian Sinclair (left) and Driver Graham Varney on ISAAC's footplate.

11. Guard Jim Price was today training Martin Williams. Jim checks that Martin pulls the levers in the correct sequence.

12. Julia & Pete Snashall came down from Kent yesterday for Richard Burgess's funeral service. This morning they took advantage of being here to prepare the stillages for the beer barrels in advance of the Spring Gala.

13. Later in the marquee, Nigel Spencer was busy painting wood treatment onto the picnic tables.

14. Jim Pounds paints more top coat onto PILTON's new side panels.
 

Rolling Stock views
 

15. Coach No.1 after its repaint - now stabled in the loading dock. This vehicle is currently FOR SALE!

16. Hunslet diesel HEDDON HALL is also in the loading dock with the Box Vans.

17. PILTON in the shed gradually nearing completion.

18. AXE is also in the shed awaiting next turn of duty - freight trains during the Spring Gala.

19. New arrival Bagnall 4-4-0T CHARLES WYTOCK (privately owned) is now safely in the shed.

20. Remedial work will be undertaken - hopefully it will be on show at the Spring Vintage weekend.

21. A new attraction for visitors has opened this week in the stable. In addition to the photographic displays an interactive computerised railway quiz/game is available for visitors to try their hand.

22. The game involves a multiple choice quiz on basic facts about the L&B.

23. Participants are invited to click on the relevant answer. This quiz is intended to encourage interest from visitors of all ages - but especially the younger ones. Thanks to Roger Bye for creating and organising this additional attraction.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson